Does the Kindle work in other countries?

Amazon Kindle

Does the Kindle work in other countries?

This is the first question asked before someone purchases a Kindle who lives, works or travels out of the U.S.

The Amazon Kindle is the hottest selling reader on the planet and most people want to know, does the Amazon Kindle work in other countries?

Question - Will the Kindle Wi-Fi and 3g versions work out of the U.S.?

Yes, the kindle will work fine for both 3G and Wi-Fi. The signal is strong and free for web surfing, plus purchasing books from the Amazon site.

Q & A Writing Format

I wrote this article in a Q&A format, simply to present the information in a clear and easy to understand manner.

Question – What is the best way to download books using the Kindle?

Most people have their account set up with a US address because the books are usually available and cheaper. However, all books are not available in every country or in English. And, Amazon will require you to use a US credit card prior to purchasing downloads to receive US rates on books.

Question – Are books free to download in other countries? Many books are available and free to download for US owners. I am not aware of free book downloads outside of the US. So, if you have an account outside of the US you will have to check but it’s not likely.

Question – What countries are the Amazon Kindle available?

Well that all depends on the wireless coverage in the country you are visiting or living in. One of the most interesting things about the Kindle 2 International release is the fact that we now have 81 countries with wireless coverage.See Amazon Kindle International Wireless Coverage Map.

Kindle Europe WhisperNet is pretty widespread with lots of countries getting wireless coverage. It’s nice to see that mostly all of Western Europe, Sweden, and Norway with 3G coverage.

It’s interesting to see that most of Western Europe and a lot of Norway and Sweden have 3G coverage. It also spreads to parts of Eastern Europe. Most of the rest of Europe has EDGE/GPRS coverage. I believe its just a matter of time before every country will have coverage.

I know that many of my family members living in Canada have long awaited for coverage and now Canada is listed as covered on the Kindle web page. Countries outside of the US must have Whispernet in order to receive coverage.

Question – Do you have to have to wireless for the Kindle to work in another country?

NO.

You can simply plug the Kindle into a USB port on any computer that has internet connection and download books and newspapers on the Kindle. This is great since some countries who still do not have wireless connectivity.

Question – If I have a US address and I live in another country, what price will I pay for book downloads?

You will pay the price for the country you live in unless you have a US credit card as previously discussed.

Question – If I purchased the Kindle in my country will it work when I travel to the US?

The Kindle has a US and International version, so let’s keep this simple. If you wish to travel to different countries you should purchase the Kindle international version or Global version.

Prior to traveling simply change the country settings in the Kindle for the internet before you leave your country and you should be able to use internet where there is Wi-Fi and 3G coverage.

Question – Will roaming charges apply if I am out of my coverage area?

It’s a small price to pay but if you love the Kindle and want to use it out of your coverage area, it's safe to say roaming charges will be applied unless you know of another way to get coverage legally. Please let me know.

Question – Can I browse the internet for free outside of the US?

No.

Question – Will the Kindle work in other countries?

Yes and No.

Yes, the Kindle will work but wireless will not unless you have 3G or WhisperNet.

Question – Should I buy the Kindle if I live outside of the US?

Absolutely, there are several great advantages that the Kindle offers. I could go on but that is another topic altogether.

Furthermore, new countries are constantly being added to the coverage area. So, if you want the new Kindle, you should get it.

Comments

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sending

jack

7 years ago

does the kindle work in israel ?

AUTHOR

emilclemons6757

7 years agofrom FLORIDA

It should work, just make sure you change the country settings. lol. Everyone loves the Kindle, until the something better comes along, right? ttyl.

SUSIE DUZY

7 years agofrom Delray Beach, Florida

I love my kindle, and would hope it works when I travel.

AUTHOR

emilclemons6757

7 years agofrom FLORIDA

Hi dablufox, btw love the profile pic! Can you use the iphone as a web server? Yes,but there exist a free Kindle app for reading over 850,000 books at the app store. So, if you have an iphone you don't need a Kindle. Shhhh! Keep this a secret!lol.

dablufox

7 years agofrom Australia

I have been intensely fascinated by this little toy despite the fact I knew very little about the kindle. I think the idea of a paperless bookshelf is a great idea and I don't hold a lot of hope for bricks and mortar book stores.

I am just wondering can you use your iPhone as a web server for your Kindle, it would be cool if you could.

Interesting article, for someone who does a lot of reading the kindle is certainly on my shortlist of toy acquisitions.

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